The search for British broadcaster Michael Mosley has resumed after he went missing while on holiday on the Greek island of Symi. Known for his TV programmes and his “Just One Thing” podcast on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mosley was last seen on Wednesday.
He had set off on a walk to the centre of the island but did not return, prompting a widespread search operation.
The Disappearance
Michael Mosley, 67, left his wife Clare on the beach and set off on a walk to the centre of Symi on Wednesday.
His phone was found in their accommodation, and Clare reported him missing when he did not return. Local police began the search but paused the operation late on Thursday. It resumed on Friday morning with reinforcements, including police officers, volunteers, and firefighters.
The Search Operation
The search party currently consists of 25 people, including police officers, volunteers, and firefighters. A helicopter was deployed from Athens at about 19:00 local time (17:00 BST) on Thursday and continues to be used.
In order to search difficult-to-reach areas, drones and a police sniffer dog are also helping with the operation. The focus is on the Pedi area of Symi, where a woman reported seeing Mosley on Wednesday.
Local Officials and Their Efforts
The island’s deputy mayor, Ilias Chaskas, was participating in the search and mentioned that divers would now look into the water with the help of the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Mayor Eleftherios Papakalodoukas expressed concerns, stating that firefighters believed it was “impossible” that Mosley was still in the immediate area due to its small, controlled environment.
Papakalodoukas speculated that Mosley might have followed another path or fallen into the sea.
Community Response
An appeal for information was posted on a local Facebook group on Wednesday alongside a picture of Mosley wearing a blue cap, polo shirt, and shorts. Residents have expressed their confusion over why someone would embark on a challenging hike in extreme heat without their phone.
Dawn, a Symi resident and friend of Mosley’s host, explained that the route he would have taken is around a 20-minute walk down the side of the mountain, which is not overly rugged or dangerous.
Weather Conditions
The extreme heat on Symi has complicated the search. On Wednesday, temperatures exceeded 40 °C, making the search conditions particularly challenging.
A yellow high-temperature warning has been issued across the island, with temperatures forecasted to reach around 33 °C on Friday.
Support and Reactions
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that they are supporting Mosley’s family and are in contact with local authorities. Mosley, who studied medicine in London and qualified as a doctor, is well known for his work as a presenter, documentary maker, journalist, and author.
He writes a column for the Daily Mail and has appeared on numerous TV programmes, including “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor” and “The One Show.”
Reacting to the news, Mosley’s fellow “Trust Me, I’m A Doctor” co-star Dr. Saleyha Ahsan said she was “praying he is found safe” and felt “sick with worry.” Alex Jones, presenter of “The One Show,” expressed concern for Mosley and his family, hoping for positive news soon.
The search for Michael Mosley continues as authorities and volunteers comb the island of Symi. Despite the challenging conditions, efforts are being intensified to locate the missing broadcaster.
The support and concern from the community, friends, and colleagues underline the high regard in which Mosley is held. As the search operation progresses, there is hope that he will be found safe and well.
The information is taken from BBC and Sky News
